Meet the Cast of A Christmas Story, The Musical - Erick Lindley (The Old Man)

Erick Lindley (The Old Man) - Erick is excited to be appearing in another Imagination Theater production. Erick most recently reprised the role of Harrold Hill in The Music Man at the State Theater Acting Company in Auburn. He was last seen onstage at IT! as King Arthur in Spamalot where he was able to perform with his wife Brenda. You may have also seen Erick in the IT! productions of Les Miserable and White Christmas. Erick has had the privilege in performing with other Sacramento area theaters in roles including Harold Hill in The Music Man at Sierra Stages, Georg Nowack in She Loves Meat Placer Community Theater, and Captain Brackett in South Pacific at the Woodland Opera House. Erick has also produced shows including Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know and Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical, but his love is on the stage. His wife Brenda provided him the inspiration and encouragement to join theater many years ago and continues to be his “biggest fan!” 

To meet Erick and the rest of the cast, come see A Christmas Story, The Musical this holiday season at Imagination Theater.  The show opens November 25 and runs through December 21. Buy your tickets today!

Meet the Cast of A Christmas Story, The Musical - Caitlyn Miller (Mother)

Caitlyn Miller (Mother) - Caitlyn Miller is thrilled to be back on the stage in her hometown. While away in San Francisco she mentored in the vocal program at San Francisco City College and performed with the Lamplighters Music Theater Company. Caitlyn currently teaches voice and piano at the Crocker House Creative Arts Center in El Dorado. She also does the vocal direction for the musicals at Union Mine High School. This is her 5th show at Imagination Theater. Her last show with IT was Grease. She also played Lily St.Regis in Annie. She performed with Sutter Street Theater as a stepsister in Into the Woods. Two of her favorite roles were in The Sorcerer and Iolanthe at Lamplighters.

To meet Caitlyn and the rest of the cast, come see A Christmas Story, The Musical this holiday season at Imagination Theater.  The show opens November 25 and runs through December 21. Buy your tickets today!  

Meet the Cast of A Christmas Story, The Musical - Jeremy Carlson (Jean Shepherd)

Jeremy Carlson (Jean Shepherd) - is very excited to be back at Imagination Theater working with such a terrific and talented group of people!  Previous IT roles include: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Archibald Craven in The Scecret Garden, Arthur in Camelot, Beast in Beauty and the Beast. Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, and Professor Bhaer in Little Women.   Jeremy has also played roles in other local area theaters including George Banks in Mary Poppins (Woodland Opera House), Mr. Lundie in Brigadoon (Davis Musical Theater), Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (Davis Musical Theater), and Foreman/Ensemble in Les Miserables (Davis Musical Theater).  Jeremy is also very happy to be sharing this theatrical experience with his whole family including his son Brenden who is playing the part of Ralphie Parker, and his wife Tamalisa and daughter Kathryn who are in the ensemble. 

To meet Jeremy and the rest of the cast, come see A Christmas Story, The Musical this holiday season at Imagination Theater.  The show opens November 25 and runs through December 21. Buy your tickets today!  

Sold out shows anticipated for A Christmas Story, The Musical

In 1940's Indiana, a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas--a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. 

Based on the classic 1983 movie, A CHRISTMAS STORY, The Musical captures holiday wonder with funny and heartfelt songs, show stopping dancing, delicious wit and a heart of gold. After triumphant sold-out seasons on Broadway this hilarious musical, directed by Brenda Lindley, makes its Placerville debut.

Friday, November 25, 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 26, 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 27, 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 1, 7 p.m.
Friday, December 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 8, 7 p.m.
Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 11 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m

Tuesday, December 20, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21, 7 p.m.

Get your tickets now at www.imaginationtheater.net , http://christmasstory.bpt.me, or call 1-800-838-3006.  

Sale of the Season - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce tickets for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are now available and on sale for $12 through December. This is a $3 savings off the regular ticket price. Based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is an encore of the original Elly Award-winning production written by Peter Wolfe and Sarah Wolfe. It was first performed at Imagination Theater in 2001.

The show is comprised of adults and children and is appropriate for the entire family. Come see the familiar and fanciful characters from the novel; the White Rabbit, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Door Mouse, Queen and King of Hearts, and many others. The show opens February 3 and runs through February 26, 2017 at Imagination Theater.

Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 4 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 5 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 10 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 16 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 17 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 at  2 p.m.
Sunday, February 19 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 25 at 2 p.m.Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.

More information can be found at www.imaginationtheater.net or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/221580.

Imagination Theater, located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, brings quality, live, local community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Shrek Audition - April 2017

Mark your calendar for April 22  and 23, 2017 for auditions for Shrek, The Musical, directed by Peter Wolfe.  Show dates – Holiday Season 2017  ***Please note earlier audition dates for Fiona.

Based on Shrek’s adventures in the classic book and Oscar-winning film. Joining Shrek on his journey from the swamp to the stage will be his wisecracking sidekick Donkey, Princess Fiona, Lord Farquaad and a chorus of fractured fairy tale creatures.

Imagination Theater Audition Notice

Shrek The Musical

Directed by Peter Wolfe     Choreography by Maggie Bush     Vocal Direction by Jerri Myers

1.  Vocal Requirements for all auditioners:

·         Ensemble Roles.  Auditioners for ensemble roles will be asked to sing a musical theater type song of their choice.  Song choice may be from Shrek or any other show.  Some ensemble auditioners may be asked to sing in a falsetto voice.

·         Young and Teen Fiona.  Auditioners for Young Fiona or Teen Fiona are expected to sing the Young Fiona and Teen Fiona portions of “I Know It’s Today” from the show.

·         Adult Fiona.  Adult Fiona auditioners are expected to prepare 2 vocal pieces from the show: 

(1) The Adult Fiona portion of “I Know It’s Today,” and

(2) “Finale.” Through measure 60.

·         Donkey.  Auditioners for Donkey are expected to sing “Don’t Let Me Go” from the show.

·         Lord Farquaad.  Auditioners for Lord Farquaad will be asked to sing ”What’s Up Duloc?”  The song must be sung while kneeling.

·         Shrek. Auditioners for Shrek will be asked to sing “Who I’d Be.”

·         Voice of the Dragon.  Seeking a soulful, R and B sound.  Please prepare any suitable song.

·         All auditioners are encouraged to become familiar with the melody and lyrics to “Freak Flag.” Memorization of the lyrics is not necessary.

·         Auditioners should bring their accompanying music as an electronic file on a CD, a computer, an Ipad, or on a cell phone. A live accompanist will not be available. A capella singing is not allowed. Lyrics must be memorized. All vocal auditions must be accompanied by a musical backing track that does not include accompanying vocals. Appropriate backing tracks are available on You Tube.

2.  Audition Schedule:

·         All auditions are at Imagination Theater.

·         VOCAL AUDITIONS ONLY FOR YOUNG FIONA AND TEEN FIONA.

o   Wednesday, April 19, 2017; Check-in at 6:00pm. Auditions from 6:30-9:00pm.

o   Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         VOCAL AUDITIONS ONLY FOR ADULT FIONA and CALL-BACK VOCAL AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG FIONA AND TEEN FIONA.

·         Thursday, April 20, 2017; Check-in at 6:00pm. Auditions from 6:30-9:00pm.

·         Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         GENERAL VOCAL, DANCE, AND READINGS AUDITIONS FOR ALL AUDITIONERS.

·         Saturday, April 22, 2017; Check-in at 8:30am.

·         Vocal Auditions from 9:00am to Noon.  There will be a lunch break.

·         Dance Auditions from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

·         Cold Readings from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

·         Auditioners for all Ensemble Roles, Shrek, Lord Farquaad, Donkey, and Dragon will sing on Saturday morning.

·         Bring Theater Resume.  Headshots or Photos optional.

·         Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and suitable dance shoes for all auditions.  Dancing in bare feet or sandals is not allowed. Do not wear heavy boots.

·         Bring water and snacks.

·         CALL-BACK AUDITIONS BY INVITATION.

·         Sunday, April 23,2017; 1:00pm to 4:00pm

o    Will include group singing, cold readings, and additional dancing activities

FOR QUESTIONS E-MAIL THE DIRECTOR, Peter at:  pwolfe615@gmail.com

Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

Shrek (Lead) 16 – Adult ~ Male High Baritone/Tenor
Young Shrek (Cameo)  ~ Male N/A
Young Fiona (Cameo)  ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Mama Ogre (Cameo)t ~ Female Soprano/Alto
Papa Ogre (Cameo) ~ Female Soprano/Alto
Fiona (Lead)  ~ Female Alto/Soprano with high belt
King Harold (Cameo) ~ Male Baritone
Queen Lillian (Cameo) ~ Female Alto with high belt
Guard  ~ Male Acting role
Pinocchio (Lead)~ Male/Female Male with good falsetto voice or Soprano/Alto
White Rabbit (Supporting)  ~ Male/Female Alto/Baritone
Fairy Godmother (Supporting) ~ Male Alto/Soprano
Peter Pan (Supporting) ~ Female Alto with Big Belt
Ugly Duckling, (Supporting) ~ Female Alto or Soprano
Sugar Plum Fairy (Supporting)  ~ Female Alto with high belt
3 Pigs (Supporting)  ~ Male Tenor/Baritone ~ Ability to sing in harmony
3 Blind Mice (Cameo)  ~ Female Alto/Soprano ~ Ability to sing in harmony
Tweedle  ~ Female Alto with high belt
Wolf (Supporting)  ~ Male Alto or Soprano
Humpty Dumpty (Supporting), ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Witch (Supporting) ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Mama Bear (Supporting) t ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Papa Bear (Supporting) ~ Male Baritone
Baby Bear (Supporting)  ~ Male/Female Alto/Soprano
Mad Hatter ~ Male/Female Alto/Soprano/Baritone
Elf (Supporting)  ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Donkey (Lead)  ~ Male/Female High Baritone/Tenor or Alto with high belt
Captain of the Guard  ~ Male Acting role
Farquaad (Lead)  ~ Male High Baritone
Thelonius (Cameo)  ~ Male Acting role
Gingy (Supporting)  ~ Female Alto with Big/High Belt
Greeter  Adult ~ Male/Female N/A
Teen Fiona (Cameo)  ~ Female Alto/Soprano
Fiona (Lead) ~ Female Alto/Soprano with big belt
Dragon (Supporting)  ~ Female Alto with Big Belt
Bluebird (voice) ~ Female Soprano
Pied Piper (Cameo)  ~ Male Acting role
Bishop (Cameo) t ~ Male Acting role
Sign Bearer  Male/Female Acting role
Dwarf (Grumpy)(Cameo)  ~ Male/Female Acting role
Happy People/Mob ~ Male/Female All Voice Types/Dancing
Farquaadʼs Guards  ~ Male and Female Acting/Singing Role
Head Duloc Performer ~ Male/Female Acting/Solo Role
Duloc Performers  ~ Male/Female Singers/Dancers
Forest Creatures ~ Male/Female Acting/Dancing roles
Knights: backup singers (4),  ~ Male Baritone/Tenor
Dancing Rat Tappers ~ Male/Female N/A Good dancers
Choir ~ Male/Female All Voice Types

Tuna Does Vegas "Seasonably Priced Tickets" Now Available

 Tuna Does Vegas Tickets Released with Special Seasonal Pricing

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce tickets are now available for Tuna Does Vegas for only $13 through December.  This is a $4 savings off the regular ticket price.  

Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m.
Saturday March 18 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 30 at 7 p.m.
Friday, March 31 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 2 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m.

From the Greater Tuna creative team, Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the 'third smallest town in Texas' as they take a rambling romp in Sin City.  Where else can you see "Venice without the pigeons, New York without the Yankees, and Paris without the French."  The satirical comedy opens March 17 and runs through April 2 at Imagination Theater.  Further details can be found at www.imaginationtheater.net or by calling 530-642-0404.

October IT! CAST Party (For theater alumni & their guests)

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE “A CHRISTMAS STORY”

A HALLOWEEN C.A.S.T. Party

(Committed Alumni Supporting the Theater)

at Imagination Theater!

Friday, October 28th 

6:30pm-9:30*pm

*Please plan to help clean up afterwards!

Socializing * Trivia 

* Talent Show * costume contest

• All casts, crews, and production teams from all shows at IT! invited
• Guests are welcome
• Members under 14, please bring an adult or responsible older sibling

Please bring a dessert and beverage to share

• Eat dinner at home and bring an after dinner treat.
• In addition, please contribute a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer if you wish to partake.  
• Soft drinks will be provided.
• Anyone under 30 wishing to drink alcohol should be prepared to show ID.

COSTUME CONTEST!

• Esteemed judges will award prizes!  Show off your skills!
• Family-friendly please, contest is optional

Karaoke/Talent Show 

• Sign ups begin at 6:30pm the night of the party!
• Sing your favorite karaoke song (via You Tube) or bring your own act!
• Open to anyone. Space may be limited. 
• Any talent appreciated (juggling?  poetry?  impressions?  foot-drawing comedy?) 

Volunteers Needed: Set up/clean up, Food Presentation, Bartenders.

Join our Facebook Group: IT! CAST

(closed group, invitation needed, ask a friend)

Michelle Harwell * Marc Bonham 

* Kate Barba * Jerri Myers

ImaginationTheaterCAST@gmail.com

Don’t Miss:

“A Christmas Story, The Musical” 

Runs November 25 - December 21 2016

Tickets:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2555477

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" 

Runs February 3 - 26 2017

“Tuna Does Vegas”

Runs March 17-April 9 2016

A Christmas Story, The Musical Synopsis

Nine year old Ralphie Parker wants one thing for Christmas, and one thing only: An Official Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun. There’s only one problem: everyone else is convinced he’ll shoot his eye out! Undeterred, he begins his saga of convincing all the necessary players, from his sweet but protective Mother, to his straightlaced teacher, Miss Shields, all the way to Santa Claus himself, that he needs that gun for the protection of his loved ones, and maybe even a little cowboy glory to call his own. 

Ralphie’s vivid imagination conjures up several showstopping numbers, from “Ralphie to The Rescue” in which he defeats every foe a young boy can think of (robbers, mustache twirling villains, and of course, the school bully), to the thrilling tap routine performed by a gun moll-esque Miss Shields, who sheds her sweater set and romance novel for a glittery red gown and a whole lot of moxie. 

And Ralphie’s not the only one with dreams of grandeur. His old man is just as set on a goal of his own, namely, winning a prize in the $50,000 Great Figures of World Literature Contest. His dreams come true when he wins a major award from the competition in the form of a garish, fishnet stocking clad leg lamp, which horrifies his wife but brings him unadulterated joy. In the biggest number of the show, the Old Man dreams up a fantastic dance sequence, developing from a euphoric ballet, to a sultry tango with his wife dressed a la lamp, and finally to a show stopping leg lamp can-can bringing the number to a triumphant close. 

Filled with quirky and lovable characters, this zany, heartfelt, and nostalgic musical is as delightful as the biggest, shiniest present under the tree on Christmas morning.

The show opens November 25 and runs through December 21.  Don't wait to get your tickets at www.imaginationtheater.net or 1-800-838-3006.

Get Onboard SouthFork Confessions!

After a read through of next year's original musical SouthFork Confessions, Chrissie Addison (Director and Co-Playwright, center) is busy with Caitlyn Miller and Jeff Jackson (Assistant Directors) buttoning down schedules and details. "It takes a village and SouthFork has a competent, FUN staff and we appreciate all the support and encouragement to bring this unique show to life," notes Chrissie.   A true ensemble cast, this show will require 13 - 14 men and women ages 18+ who can act, sing, and handle some simple dancin'! 

The wagons are rolling! Get onboard!

Audition Information

Jan Le Pouvoir wins Elly at the SARTA Elly Awards September 25.

Imagination Theater is pleased to announce that Jan Le Pouvoir has won an Elly Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Miss Skillon in the British farce, See How They Run.  

The Elly Awards are presented annually by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) and honor outstanding achievements of community theaters and artists in the Sacramento area. The Elly Awards are named for the late Eleanor McClatchy, who was a devoted patron of the local arts. 

Imagination Theater, a nonprofit organization, is now in the sixteenth season of presenting live theater in El Dorado County.  The theater's upcoming productions include A Christmas Story, The Musical, playing November 25-December 21 and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in February 2017.  Tickets and information about these shows can be found at www.imaginationtheater.net.

Imagination Theater, located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, brings quality, live, local community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County. 

A little interesting tidbit about the artist of the Daisy Air Rifle

No! No! I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! 

You'll shoot your eye out, kid.

Fred Harman, who died in 1982, was one of the founders of the Cowboy Artists of America. In addition to becoming one of the country's foremost painters of the American West, he was also the creator of the world-famous cartoon strip, "Red Ryder and Little Beaver." Fred Harman was also an established sculptor and illustrator. He was likewise a great humanitarian.

The gregarious Fred Harman lived and worked at one time or another in various parts of the U.S. but his heart was always in Colorado, particularly the Southwestern part known as "the four corners." He was truly a cowboy (and later rancher) who had a remarkable talent for capturing and interpreting his special world into artistic forms.

Recognition and real success came slowly to Fred Harman, but his optimism and perseverance never lagged. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1902, but his parents moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado when he was just 2 months old. His father had previously homesteaded in Pagosa in 1891. His life really began in the land of cowboys and Indians what with Ute, Apaches and Navajos living in the same proximity as the ranchers.

During those early years, Harman seemed to be in and out of Missouri a great deal. Apparently he exercised his artistic talent from the very beginning as his first printed picture appeared in a St. Joseph newspaper when Harman was only 6 years of age. The self-taught painter was not as happy in school as he was on ranches or when he was drawing. After 7 years of formal education, he dropped out of school and ultimately joined the army. It was the time of World War I.

1922 found Fred Harman in Kansas City working at his first commercial art job. He was one of three cartoonists making film ads for a moving picture company. Fred and one of the other cartoonists, Walt Disney, formed their own company, but, alas, they went broke after a year. Disney went to California to pursue a career and Harman returned to his beloved Colorado.

Not much later, the struggling young artist was back in St. Joseph. The short-lived Pony express had been founded in that city in 1861 and though it only survived for a mere 18 months, it created enough interest and excitement to make its own niche in the lore of Western Americana. It was only natural that Fred would be interested in this brief chapter on history. He did a goodly amount of artwork related to that subject including illustrating pertinent books. He even designed the costumes for an MGM film about The Pony Express. It was during this period that he met pretty young Lola Andrews, a musician. On their very first date, Fred took Lola to the Premier of "The Pony Express" film.

A year later, Fred married his Lola and in 1927 they were expecting their first child. Fred was working for Artcrafts Engraving Company at the time, which was owned by William H. Guenther Sr., and lucky thing too, because when it was time to pay the hospital bill for baby Fred (Fred Harman, III), he didn’t have enough money. Fortunately, William Guenther bought a painting from him for about $50 which was just enough to cover that bill!

By the end of the 1920's the young family was in St. Paul, Minnesota where Harman entered a partnership to form an advertising business. Three years later, he took his family to Colorado where he and Lola built their own log cabin on the San Juan River.

Misfortune loomed again in the form of the National Depression. Fred Harman, like so many others was broke! Fred had two younger brothers, each of whom was a good artist in their own right. Earlier they had gone to Hollywood and made a success of animated cartoons. They had their own studio and produced the popular Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes. So, Fred loaded up his canvases and went to Hollywood.

Harman had a big exhibit of his work at the Stendahl Art Galleries in Los Angeles, but not one piece was sold. Not very encouraging for a young artist but it didn't get Harman down, instead he decided that he would do a comic strip and he created "Bronc Peeler". Since no one else was interested in presenting the strip, Fred syndicated it himself, and again went broke.

All was not in vain, however, as his work caught the attention of Eastern publishers and he went to New York City. Fred worked diligently in the big city during the winters until he made enough money to buy the land that became the nucleus of his ranch near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The climax of this period was his creation of the cartoon strip, "Red Ryder and Little Beaver."

Success at last! The Scrips-Howard Newspaper chain presented Harman with a 10 year contract and "Red Ryder" was virtually an overnight sensation. The cartoon strip appeared in 750 newspapers with 40 million readers -- then came a radio show, 38 movies, and 40 commercial products. By 1938 Fred Harman had all the commissions he could handle.

Fred Harman continued to draw "Red Ryder" until 1963. By then he needed all the time he could have in order to do his painting. His first series of paintings sold out quickly including the preliminary sketches. By 1965 he was the most widely known living artist portraying the American West. Also by this time, Harman was well known and loved by his fellow "cowboy artists". In that same year, 1965, 5 of them came together in Sedona, Arizona and founded the "The Cowboy Artists of America". In addition to Harman, the group included Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, John Hampton and George Phippen. Fred was chosen as the first president of the new organization but deferred to Phippen.

Fred Harman loved his fellow man and it seemed that the greater his success became, the more time he somehow found to help others. He was particularly effective with children to whom he was a living hero. Organizations all over the country clamored for his attention and got it. This activity resulted in many awards and commendations. One of the many honors that he was especially proud of was being adopted into the Navajo Nation; one of only 75 white men in history to receive this unusual tribute.